Non-fiction

Bio

Charles W. Sasser

Charles W. Sasser has been a full-time freelance writer/journalist/photographer since 1979. He is a veteran of both the U.S. Navy (journalist) and U.S. Army (Special Forces, the Green Berets), a combat veteran and former combat correspondent wounded in action. He also served fourteen years as a police officer (in Miami, Florida, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was a homicide detective). He has taught at universities, lectured nationwide, and traveled extensively throughout the world. He has published over 3000 articles and short stories in magazines ranging from Guideposts, Parents and Christian Life to Soldier of Fortune, True West, and Writer’s Digest. He is author, co-author or contributing author of more than 50 books and novels.

As an adventurer, Sasser has, at various times: solo-canoed across the Yukon; sailed the Caribbean; motorbiked across the continent; rode camels in the Egyptian desert; floated the Amazon River; dived for pirate treasure; rode horses across Alaska; motorcycled Europe; climbed Mount Rainier; ran with the bulls in Spain; chased wild mustangs…

He has been a professional rodeo clown and bronc rider; professional kickboxer; sky diver and SCUBA diver; college professor; newspaperman; archaeologist/anthropologist…

Sasser now lives on a ranch in Chouteau, Oklahoma with wife Donna where he is a writer, rancher, and businessman who trains horses and team ropes. He also has a private pilot’s license and is an ultralite aircraft Certified Flight Instructor.

Discussion (57) ¬

Mr. Sasser,
I had tried to no avail to share some ideas that might help America at this time. To make a long story short, my wife tired of my passion for my ideas and divorced me. Like yourself, I took a walkabout. I started out in Tahlequah and ended up in Washington DC 30 days later. I experienced miracles daily. Because of these documented blessings my friends think I should put my job creation ideas on hold and remind America that their is a God and he is good. While I am proud of my story telling abilities I also know my limits. The first day I sat down at the computer I found a copy of your Magic Steps to Writing Success. As I believe God does things for a reason in my life I felt compelled to contact you to ask for your advice, opinion, or help. I look forward to your response. By the way, a United States senator did see me, liked my idea but thought I was thinking to big, and flew me home. The story is truly remarkable and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Sincerely,
Paul Schiefelbein

Paul. Forgive me if I didn’t respond to this comment. Frankly, I’m just getting accustomed to all this blogging, etc., and am not real proficient at it. If there is anyway I can help, please feel free to contact me. God bless. chuck sasser

Mr. Schiefelbein–Forgive my not responding right away–but, frankly, I’m technologically challenged, and I just now came across your message to me. Please contact me if I can help at charlessas@msn.com. God bless. chuck sasser

Paul–Oh, my Goodness! Forgive my not responding for such a long time–but I had just gotten started in this stuff and didn’t come across your letter until today. I’d be most happy in talking to you about your project. Please contact me if you’re still interested. chuck sasser

Dear Paul–Forgive my not responding right away–but I have problems with this darned thing. sounds like you have quite a story. Please contact me on my e-mail so we can talk: charlessas@msn.com God bless. chuck sasser

Morning, Norman. Please forgive my not responding right away. but I’m not good at computers and just became aware of this. If you still need to contact me, my e-mail is charlessas@msn.com. chuck sasser

Just read your story about stay on Wall Street with the protest in the Vinita Daily Journal. This should be on the front page of every newspaper in the country! Of course this is NOT the story the media is telling. Thank you so much.

Kathrene–thank you so much for your remarks–and I agree with you about the Wall Street stuff. That’s why I did this, to find out what was happening, and write about it. Forgive my not responding right away, but I’m still not verygood at thiscomputer stuff and didn’t realize there were replies like this. chuck sasser

I spent a good deal of time with randy dial (he was randy johnston then)
In 1972/1973 or so.
We were tryning to get richard nixon recalled
from office.
Very strange that i learn of his history
after that time.
A strange time indeed.

Morning, Norman. Forgive my not responding right away, but I’m sometimes overwhelmed by this computer stuff. Technologically-challenged, I am. Anyhow, yep, I did read part of Dial’s stuff. Strange man on the wrong path. chuck sasser

Did you run across the manuscript of
” protected and advised by wolves”
I read parts of it when randy let me
borrow it.
Politcal thriller.
Wondering about it.
I am going to buy ur
book when i can find it,
or order it from amazon.
Thanks
Norman Lee

Just finished the OSS Command books – very entertaining and poignant. How about a third to reunite James and Gabrielle? Guess I will have to break down and go back to paper to read the rest of your books:) Great to see a fellow Okie excel in something other sports (although I’m a great sports fan myself) Keep up the good work and enjoy life, Ken

I came across a copy of your unpublished work “The Girl Scout Murders” in a Goodwill store in Martinsburg, WV. I saw it on the shelf and was taken back by the title but decided to have a look at it for $2. When I got home and looked for reviews from others who had read it I found out about the lawsuit that halted its publication. Is that still in effect? Were many of these printed before “stop the presses” was mandated? Too bad because I’m reading it now and it has my attention. Such a sad case but it would’ve made a good episode of the old City Confidential series. It’s quite an addition to my other books on crime. How it ended up in this area is anyone’s guess.

Morning, Tim. the GIRL SCOUT MURDERS is a long story–seems I may have offended some politicians, etc. It’s a long story, and I’ve since gone on to published over 50 books. I wasa homicide detective in Tulsa, and Sheriff Pete Weaver was an old friend, the little Milner girl was the daughter of my partner when I worked SWAT/TAC on police department. That was how I became involved. thank you for your interest. chuck sasser

I have just completed THOUSAND YEARS OF DARKNESS which so closely follows what is going on now politically, it scares me. Is there going to be a sequel & when? (I’ll admit, I read this because of your name but was pleasantly surprised.) My husband is originally from AL ~ do you have roots there?

Morning, Jeannie. I can’t recall if I ever responded to your kind letter. Forgive me, but I’m still just getting accustomed to using this form of media (I still write with pen and paper), so I overlook things. My people were originally from the Tennessee, Kentucky area (Dad’s side of family, real dad, that is) was Creek Indian. Thanks for your interested in mywriting. chuck sasser

My aunt was Marian Hope Rosenbaum and I believe her murder was in a book you wrote, “Homicide!” My mother and uncle would never explain what happened to her and when I found out there was a book they would never tell me the name. I’m ordering your book today, so that maybe I can learn what happened to the aunt I never got to know.

I have just finished reading Patton’s Panthers. Gripping story, well told. The only omission was an afterward summarizing the subsequent history of Paul and Taffy Bates and the key others, as in Halsey’s Typhoon and Fox Company’s Last Stand by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin. Good nevertheless to see moe than the brief paragraph in Citizen Soldier and the miss-identifcation as 716 Tank Battalion in ’44 by Charles Whiting. The Panthers deserve a place in history alongside the Red Tails.

Dear Charles I think that it is awesome that you published my Grandfathers name in the Book The life and Crimes of Randolph Franklin Dial. I have often wondered about my family history and was wondering if you had any more information that might shed some light on my family’s past. The reference is in Chapter 20. I believe my grandfather was a man of honor.

Mr. Sasser, I recently read “A Thousand Years of Darkness.” The story grabbed my interest right from the first page and I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it. As a novel, it was fascinating but frightening as well. Thank you for writing something so riveting.

I just finished “The Return.” Powerful stuff. I am one of the very fortunate veterans of our generation in that I never had to deal with Viet Nam. I received my DD214 from the Navy about six months before the Gulf of Tonkin fiasco, and all I can say is, “Thank you, Jesus.” When I finished your book all I could say was, “Wow.” I’ll be reading more of your work, but right now I’m a little drained from such an emotional experience.

Afternoon, Richard. Please forgive my not responding so quickly–but the truth is I’m technologically challenged and I didn’t know about all this mail until I came across it. I’m glad you liked THE RETURN. God bless you for your service, whether in wartime or not. chuck sasser

Mr. Sasser, I am reading that copy of Dark Planet you gave me at the writers workshop at Rose State College a few months back. Your military background shines through in this story lending a real air of believability to it. You have developed the story brilliantly, and it just gets better with each chapter! If you should find yourself in OKC with some time stop by the 45th Museum, I’d love to pick your brain over lunch some time.

Guys. Thank all of you so much for your comments about my work. Please forgive me for not responding more quickly–but the truth is that I’m technologically challenged and I can’t seem to get through all the stuff. Anyhow, never let it be said your comments are nto appreciated. Bless all of you, especially you combat vets. charles w. “chuck” sasser

Havent talked about it before but I was one of the first responders for the 10th mountain tragedy outside of PB Inchon. I was out of PB Bataan with 3ID. Thanks for telling the story. I will be getting the book. Feel free to contact. Thank you Sir.

I am looking for a co-writer, and your name was recommended to me. I have most of it written, it still is very rough, and I was waiting for an ending which i just got with the sentencing of my dad. Here is the link for a snippet of the story.

I am Suzanne Oakkley’s first cousin. I have raised my children and retired and now my journey is to solve her murder. I would be appreciate your time to discuss information we both have and move a step closer .

Just finished reading Dark Planet. I really enjoyed it. And was pleasantly surprised to see that you live here around Chouteau. I’m from Tulsa via Mannford and have lived outside Chouteau for 24 years.

I just started reading “None Left Behind” I had no idea that a book was written about the 4/31 IN combat tour in 2006-07. I served in this tour with 4/31 as a mortarman but PCSed to Germany before you came to speak with the soldiers at west point. In fact I am in one of the photographs in the book which is pretty cool. Anyway i wanted to say thank you for making this story heard by more than the men and women who served in that battle. I am looking forward to reading it and sharing with my family this book and my experiences there so that they can better understand the conditions that I and the many polar bears like me lived through in Iraq. Again thank you Mr. Sasser

You have been recommended to me as someone who might be willing to help me write the story if a murder case I prosecuted while District Attorney in A county located in upstate New York. What made the prosecution noteworthy is that the case was 17 years old when tried , the body of the deceased had not been recovered and the main defendant , Anthony “Tony Pro” Provenzano was when convicted the de facto head of the Teamsters Union and the principal suspect in the disappearance and presumed murder of Jimmy Hoffa.

If this is something you’d like to discuss please let me know. I assure you it’s a fascinating case and it won’t be a waste if your time.

I read your book, “Homicide” about 1970’s Tulsa. I am very curious as to whether the case on the 16 y/o girl found on old Sapulpa road was ever solved. Having lived in that time and actually working near the same place she did, I remember it well.

I have being searching high and low for your book on the girl scout murders. I have the three other books regarding the case but am desperate to read your offering. Do you have any idea how I could obtain a copy?

I read and enjoyed ‘Raider’, primarily b/c Galen Kittleson was on Bill Nellist’s team that returned my father from Cabanatuan Prison camp. My father was a P.O.W., not a Ranger as stated in your book. He was one of two doctors that volunteered to stay behind. Bill and my father reunited at Letterman Army Hospital in 1950 and beyond. Further, Bill related how he took the Huk leader hostage to insure their safe an unmolested return to Allied lines. Other than those two blips, your account was dead on. Ironically, I never realized that Galen K has rejoined the Army. In fact, both my older brother and I were stationed at Ft Bragg in 1966 when Galen was there but were totally unaware of it. I later asked a man i served with in the 82nd that moved on to SF if he knew of Galen. “Pappy Kittleson? Everybody knows of Pappy. he’s a legend in SF” I did contact Galen before he died. A great soldier and warrior

Mr. Sasser,
I was a teenager when the variety of murders occurred in Tulsa in the 70’s. It seemed as though they just stopped suddenly. Do you think the perpetrator moved away, possibly killed or in prison or maybe just died? Possibly do you think he may have returned during the 80’s in Tulsa as there was another series of murders of young women that I believe majority are still unsolved. I have a family member, Vicki Marie Hill. She was murdered in her apartment in Tulsa in September, 1984. It is still unsolved. Thanks for your time.

Mr. Sasser: I am about your age, maybe a little older. Six years in the Air Force during Korea, a thousand articles published, five books on library shelves, two commercially published – a graduate engineer, a builder/developer, a millionaire twice, busted on my ass twice – and on and on and on. But you’ve been there, you’ve heard it all and done it all. I’m now reading your Magic Steps. Practical – logical – far better than most “writing” books I’ve owned and have read. I live on Table Rock Lake, just a couple of hours from Tulsa. Wish we could have met. Think we’d have had a lot of good times and interesting things to talk about. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. JIM

While going through some old articles I had cut from newspapers and magazines over the last 40 plus years I came across “The Odyssey”. Very well written. I am glad to see you made something of a career from story telling skills.

Today, 4 years after buying it from a second hand book shop in CT called Book Barn, I have begun to read Dark Planet. I am hooked. Your writing style is beyond beautiful. I cannot wait to visit my library here on Fort Polk (my husband is the soldier; I will take no credit for his service) to collect some books you have written about Vietnam, your murder mystery, and ready more of your wonderful work. Thank you!
Welcome home,
R

I enjoyed your book – Detachment Delta Operation Cold Dawn – but did was saddened to read between the lines of your fascist opinions and support of the special needs president Bush.
I fought in Vietnam, and thought never again would our nation be so stupid, yet we were fooled into Iraq – a country that did NOTHING to us.
Stick to adventure writing and please open your mind politically.

Great job on Night Fighter. Should have also used my book SEALs – UDT/SEAL Operations In Vietnam as another reference source. Was a Masters Thesis with lots of info from monthly NAVFORV summaries, after actions, and Team histories among other things. Out of print, but can still be found on Amazon. Stay hard.

I have read many of your books and I can honestly say they are rather good. Very illuminating, well written, and splendid stories. However there is one sentence and a couple remarks in your book None Left Behind that have quite bothered me. Page 218 you wrote that the Iraqis are completely dependent upon government then made the analogy of a dependency culture comparable to the welfare enclaves of many inner cities. First, I have a hard time believing you truly know anything of any inner city other than the stereotype portrayed in tv. Second, you could have compared a welfare culture to poor rural white america just as easily. Third, when you use the word “enclaves” to describe welfarism in inner cities you make it seem as if all people who live there are welfare recipients. Which is in no way true. Lastly, if your going to disparage whole black communities you should do so with some factual basis an not some inbred bigoted cultural idea of what goes on in those communities. Go there, learn about the many hard working families. People working 2 & 3 jobs to support themselves while still not making a living wage but too proud to take any assistance from anyone. Look at the statistics some of the biggest welfare states are southern and rural in nature. You made one other comment about blacks in this book but I’ve read past it far to much to remember what it was about but after this last one of which I previously described I couldn’t let it go. I’m looking forward to your comment. Hoping a constructive dialogue ensues.

I have been trying in vain to locate your incredibly interesting book “Raider” in an audio format. I am a longtime user of Audible books and I am an avid reader. I notice that many of your books are on Audible but Raider is missing from that and or any other catalog that I have been able to find. I’ve told many friends who also use unabridged audio books about this one. We are all disappointed not to be able to locate it.

Has that book ever been recorded, or are there any plans in the future to do so? The story is phenomenal and deserves to be shared in every format.

I just read you “Intrigue that led to Vietnam” article in the “MILITARY” mag that I get every month. It just so happens that I was a 2nd Class Yeoman attached to Chief Navy Section (MAAG) from Mar 1963 thru Mar 1964. This story was for the exact time I was there. What a great read. It has been over 50 years.

Read your article on The History Reader about the Black Panthers. I’m writing a screenplay about the 103rd Infantry Division (actually about one soldier in it), which includes the 761st Tank Battalion and the 614th Tank Destroyers, also a Black unit. When the 103rd’s 411th regiment liberated a couple of the Kaufering concentration camps, were the 761st and 614th with them? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s book doesn’t mention it. Thanks